News Releases

EPA Scientists Receive Presidential Honor

WASHINGTON –Today two Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists were named recipients of the 2010 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), which recognizes excellent research and leadership in the sciences. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. The EPA award recipients are Dr. Gayle Hagler and Dr. David Reif.

“Congratulations to Dr. Reif and Dr. Hagler for receiving this prestigious award,” said Paul Anastas, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “EPA is a science agency that brings the highest quality research to bear on some of our nation’s most important challenges. This year’s winners are not only conducting innovative research, they are also engaging their communities and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science and research.”

Dr. Hagler was nominated for leading research in the development and use of new technologies, such as electric vehicles and GPS, to measure and map air pollutant emissions near roadside locations. She also researched roadside landscaping to reduce the effects of harmful air pollutants. Dr. Reif was nominated for developing tools for prioritizing and profiling chemicals for potential toxicity to human health and the environment, as well as studying the various subsets of childhood asthma in order to develop more personalized diagnoses, management, and treatment of the disease.

Both recipients have demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through their leadership in various outreach activities such as presenting at workshops, participating as science career panelist for visiting student groups and by using their research to mentor and teach others. Dr. Hagler and Dr. Reif will be presented the award with other recipients later this fall at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C.

The PECASE awards embody the high priority the Obama Administration places on producing outstanding scientists and engineers to advance the nation’s goals, tackle grand challenges, and contribute to the American economy.